FIFA Women’s World Ranking: USWNT finishes 2017 in top spot

For the third time in a row, the Stars and Stripes will head into the New Year as the best ranked women's side.

With 2017 almost over, FIFA released the final world ranking in women’s international football for this calendar year. The United States has something to celebrate this New Year, as their women’s national team grabbed the first spot.

This is the third straight year that the USWNT heads into the New Year as the world’s best ranked women’s national team. The national side has lost only three games in this calendar year and is on an eight-game unbeaten run, including a 3-1 win over Canada – both Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd found the back of the net in that victory.

HIGHLIGHTS: USWNT beats Canada 3-1 in their final game of 2017

Germany managed to hold onto the second spot, but by the skin of their teeth. A surprise loss at home to Iceland nearly saw the two-time World Cup champion get leapfrogged by England, while also ruling out a top-spot finish. The Lionesses came in at third.

France dropped out of the top five, finishing in sixth, two spots below their previous ranking. Australia took their place after an impressive seven-game winning run, with the Matildas following England in the ranking.

Brazil moved up a spot to finish in eighth, as well as Sweden who entered at 10th. Korea DPR lost their spot to the Scandinavian nation, coming in at 11th, meaning an exit from the top 10 for the Asian side.